Bonus Buy Slots: Guide To Best Bonus Buy Slot Casinos in 2025

Last Updated: Sep 23, 2025
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Fact Checked By: Tyler Olson

Bonus buy slots are one of the best innovations in online slot gaming, giving players instant access to bonus features without waiting for them to trigger naturally. In this guide, we'll explain how slots with bonus buys work, highlight the best games in 2025, and offer tips for responsible play.

What Are Bonus Buy Slots?

Bonus buy slots give players the option to purchase instant access to a game's bonus round instead of waiting for it to land naturally. Normally, slot bonuses like bonus spins or special game modes are triggered by landing three or more scatter symbols. This can take dozens or even hundreds of spins, and the outcome is entirely random.

With bonus buy mechanics, you can pay a fixed amount, typically between 50x and 200x your base stake, to activate the bonus immediately. The price depends on factors such as the volatility of the slot, the potential high payouts, and the number of special features involved. When you buy a bonus, the game jumps straight into the feature round.  Compared to traditional play, bonus buy slots are faster, more intense, and often have higher Return to Player (RTP) percentages during purchased features. However, they also come with bigger risks, since you're wagering much more per play than with standard spins.

Popular Bonus Buy Slots in 2025

Here are some of the top slots with bonus buys currently trending:

  • Gates of Olympus (Pragmatic Play)
    • Bonus Buy Cost: 100x bet
    • RTP: 96.5% (bonus) / 96% (base)
    • Max Win: 5,000x
    • Features: Tumble mechanics, multipliers up to 500x
  • Money Train 4 (Relax Gaming)
    • Bonus Buy Cost: Multiple options (20x–500x bet)
    • RTP: 96.1%–97% depending on buy
    • Max Win: 150,000x
    • Features: Persistent symbols, multiple bonus modes
  • San Quentin xWays (Nolimit City)
    • Bonus Buy Cost: 100x–2000x bet
    • RTP: 96.03%
    • Max Win: 150,000x
    • Features: xWays, split wilds, extreme volatility
  • White Rabbit Megaways (Big Time Gaming)
    • Bonus Buy Cost: 100x bet
    • RTP: 97.72% (bonus)
    • Max Win: 13,000x
    • Features: Reel expansions, free spins retriggers
  • Hand of Anubis (Hacksaw Gaming)
    • Bonus Buy Cost: 129x–200x bet
    • RTP: 96.24%
    • Max Win: 10,000x
    • Features: Soul Orbs, multiplier free spins
  • Wanted Dead or a Wild (Hacksaw Gaming)
    • Bonus Buy Cost: 80x–400x bet
    • RTP: 96.38%
    • Max Win: 12,500x
    • Features: Duel bonus, Dead Man's Hand, volatile play
  • Mental (Nolimit City)
    • Bonus Buy Cost: 80x–1000x bet
    • RTP: 96.08%
    • Max Win: 66,666x
    • Features: xSplit wilds, multiple bonus options
  • Sweet Bonanza (Pragmatic Play)
    • Bonus Buy Cost: 100x bet
    • RTP: 96.51%
    • Max Win: 21,100x
    • Features: Tumbles, multiplier bombs, colorful theme

Where to Play Bonus Buy Slots

Where you can access bonus buy slots depends largely on where you live.

In the US, real-money casinos that offer bonus buy slots are available only in regulated states. Each state has its own approved operators, and only licensed online casinos can legally provide real-money play.

In states without legalized iGaming, players sometimes turn to sweepstakes casinos. These platforms use virtual currencies and promotional sweepstakes models to let you enjoy slots, including bonus buy titles, without wagering traditional money. Winnings can often be redeemed for cash prizes, making them a legal alternative in most of the US.

No matter where you play, always stick to legitimate, licensed operators. These sites are regulated for fairness and security, ensuring you get a safe gaming experience with transparent RTP percentages and often offer great welcome bonuses.

Advantages of Bonus Round Slots

Bonus buy slots come with unique benefits that appeal to both casual and experienced players:

Bonus buys save time by letting you skip the grind and go straight into the action. They often come with higher RTP percentages during the purchased feature round, improving theoretical returns. They also enhance the entertainment value, delivering excitement instantly rather than waiting for the right spin. For some players, the ability to choose when and how to trigger a bonus gives a stronger sense of control over the experience.

Risks and Disadvantages

While fun, bonus buy slots are not without drawbacks. It's important to consider the risks:

Risks:

  • Higher cost per play can drain your bankroll quickly
  • Bonus buy excitement may encourage impulsive decisions
  • Increased intensity can fuel problem gambling behaviors

Disadvantages:

  • Regulatory restrictions mean not all players can access them
  • The anticipation of waiting for a natural trigger is lost
  • Bankroll management becomes much harder with large stakes

Bonus Buy Strategies and Tips

Playing bonus buy slots can be exciting, but it's important to approach them responsibly. By following a few key strategies, you can enjoy the game while managing risk and protecting your bankroll:

  • Set strict budgets and stick to them: Decide in advance how much money you're willing to spend on bonus purchases in a session, and treat this as entertainment money. Avoid chasing losses or exceeding your limit.
  • Start with lower-cost bonuses or demo play: Use free versions or the cheapest buy options to learn the game's mechanics and volatility before committing larger stakes.
  • Track results and understand game volatility: Keep a simple record of wins, losses, and bonus outcomes, and be aware of whether a game tends toward frequent small wins or rare big payouts.

By following these strategies, you can play bonus buy slots in a measured and responsible way, ensuring the experience remains fun and under control.

Conclusion

Bonus buy slots are an exciting option for players who want instant access to a game's best features. They offer faster gameplay, higher potential returns during bonuses, and a thrilling level of control. But they also come with risks, including higher costs and the potential for rapid losses.

If you're curious about bonus buy slots, start by trying demo versions, research the game mechanics carefully, and always play with a budget.

Bonus Buy Slots FAQ

Do bonus buy slots count toward wagering requirements at online casinos?

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Many online casinos exclude bonus buy features from contributing to wagering requirements, while others may count them at a reduced rate (Somewhere between 10-20%)

Can I use bonus buy features during slot tournaments?

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Most slot tournaments prohibit the use of bonus buy features to ensure fair competition among all participants.

Are the odds different between buying a bonus and triggering it naturally?

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The bonus round itself typically plays identically whether purchased or triggered naturally. However, some slots offer slightly different RTP percentages for bought bonuses versus natural triggers. 

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PJ Wright
Contributor since July 2025
PJ Wright is an experienced online gambling writer with experience in covering online operators and news throughout North America. You can find him covering the best ways to find promotional offers, the best operators to choose from and when new games are released.
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